A LETTER TO MY FATHER

This is a letter I wrote to my father  the day after we lost him on June 1st 1997

DAD

It's monday morning and I cant possibly imagine going  to work at the sawmill without you being there to guide us.

I do need you to know that Me and your grandkids did love, honor and respect you so very much  even tho we may not have told you often enough.

You taught me the values of a FAMILY and how to hold a family, home and work together..

If not for you always being so patient with me as far as my work and relationships went, I dont know that I'd be as strong  or capable of handling you gone this morning.

You were always there to help me out whenever I needed you. You stood by me on alot of my decisions in life and never once told me that I was doing something wrong.

I always valued your opinions and sly comments, and I hope that I can also raise my children with the same guidance that you had shown me.

You taught me that everything does work out for the best, that love is possible and if god throws you a curve ball, that whatever is next to come is meant to come.

I never told you enough that I loved you but I think we both knew that we didn't need words to understand one another. That unspoken words were stronger than those spoken.

THANK YOU for all your love and concern and I hope that I can raise my children to respect and love me the same as I do you.

But most of all to respect myself in all that I do and to awake each morning with that clear conscience that you always told me to keep because GOD was watching over me even when I felt all alone.

To my loving children - Your grandfather was the greatest man alive to me and I loved him for that! I hope that you will also instill his values in yourselves.